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Türkiye’s Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic

of public officials such as policeman, gendarmerie officers, warden, and staff of
the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency etc. have been created.
Citizens can communicate their needs by calling 112, 155, 156 and other
relevant lines.
5.6.5. Bringing Back the Turkish Citizens Living Abroad

As part of COVID-19 measures, the Turkish citizens living abroad have
been brought back to Türkiye upon their request. Turkish citizens who didn’t
have chance to be treated properly in the country where they live were brought
back to their home by private jets, when necessary. They have been treated
properly in Türkiye instead of abandoning them to their fate.

In addition to protecting the health of its own citizens, Türkiye has also been
trying to meet the requests for aid coming from other countries which need
medical supplies. So far, 104 countries have called for aid. As of 22 April 2020,
Türkiye has sent medical supplies to 53 countries such as Germany, Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Kosovo, the UK, Iran, China, Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus, Palestine, Spain, Italy, Somali, Serbia, Tunisia. With a widespread
media coverage pointing out Türkiye as a “key actor in global fighting against
the COVID-19”, this effort of Türkiye to send medical supplies to the countries
in need has drawn attention globally and been greatly appreciated.
5.6.6. Construction of New Pandemic Hospitals

In order to prepare both sides of Istanbul against any disasters such as
pandemic, earthquake, etc., the construction works have been started to build
pandemic hospitals at the site of Sancaktepe and the Atatürk Airport. With
the introduction of Sancaktepe Hospital, it will provide healthcare services
in full capacity when needed in any emergencies. It has a total bed capacity
of 1,008 of which 432 are intensive care units (ICU). The other hospital to
be constructed at the site of Atatürk Airport has 1008 rooms designed to be
converted into intensive care units, if need arises. 17

17 https://www.saglik.gov.tr/TR,65086/istanbuluherikiyakasiylaafetlerehazirhalegetirecegiz.html
Access Date: 28/04/2020

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